Full time through winter in search of new life

[CazPaul]

I think he will have a think then snap your hand off, he’s hardly going to to sell it to someone else in the meantime.

He probably knows it’s overpriced and there’s hardly a queue of potential buyers waiting in the wings. He’s already been dishonest with you and for that reason alone I would be giving him a lamb chop and running in the other direction.

I meant karate chop.

 

[dawsey]

I hope the discussions go your way. This has been such an interesting thread to read . Your description of all your travels and torments have fascinated me . BTW your advert for your m h is the best I have ever read ! If I was looking for one like yours I would certainly buy it . I have a LHD Carthago which I’m very nervous with . Would love you to write a description of it !!
Again hope you get the result you want .

Many thanks. Sadly, it looks like our camper ad will have to be withdrawn if we have to continue to live in it. It will sell better in the spring in any case.

There has been minimal interest, though perhaps not unexpected given the perhaps slightly more senior and well heeled profile of the good folks populating this forum (when compared to the general population). Most seem to go for way newer, better vans way beyond the likes of Bea and I.

What is funny is that no one has seemed to realise that our van is really just a well maintained basic Hymer that is on offer for about 12k - because that is all that would have been paid if all the myriad added extras are removed and sold on.

The combined value of the add ons (which most folks tend to do over time), is actually way more than £20k, and even depreciated it is still going to be an absolute minimum of 10-12k to go find, buy, self fit etc. Of course its going to be much more to pay someone else to install for you, but then they would insist on fitting something (they supply) new to offer any guarantee. All the systems in our van have been designed and installed by a professional engineer, then successfully passed the most thorough of all-season testing!

Just the still-mint high quality leather interior alone would easily sell for £2k second hand as it would now cost twice that amount to have that done……

It’s a huge giant gift horse!

 

[dawsey]

I/

I think he will have a think then snap your hand off, he’s hardly going to to sell it to someone else in the meantime.

He probably knows it’s overpriced and there’s hardly a queue of potential buyers waiting in the wings. He’s already been dishonest with you and for that reason alone I would be giving him a lamb chop and running in the other direction.

I meant karate chop.

I hope so but I/we seriously doubt it. This chap looks only at numbers. He is laser focussed on how much money he has extracted from the site and is completely blind to the fact that he has run the asset into the ground, resulting in huge required investment and correction of serious developing issues. That’s the fundamental problem.

Whether an agreement can be achieved is going to be down to just how badly he wants to sell, and perhaps also just how much acknowledgment of reality lurks beneath the proud and belligerent surface.

 

[Nanniemate]

Thank you

Usually a hair or some fibrous organic that went down the drain. Open and close the tap quickly a few times, if that doesn’t wash out the critter you can try dissolving it by putting down sink unblocker, fill the tank to 20%, open the valve for three seconds then leave overnight.

If none of that doesn’t work, and it should, so try it twice, then the valve itself is damaged, though that should be considered unlikely, given the useage profile.

Best of luck.

it's the join where the tap meets the pipe it's an on going irritation. Fine for ages then starts to drip I have thought about superglue

 

[dawsey]

Thank you

it's the join where the tap meets the pipe it's an on going irritation. Fine for ages then starts to drip I have thought about superglue

Most will be plastic welded, if it’s a joint leak or a slight fatigue crack at a join then araldite will sort it, at least in short term and you may be lucky in medium term. There’s no real pressure it just has to hold water. Dry and clean best you can and rub some epoxy to the leak. Cheap n cheerful but it will do the job.

If from a compression joint, 1st try slightly tightening then just disassemble, inspect seals, clean and refit.

If from a gland or valve seal on the actual tap then if the tap can’t be rebuilt the only solution is a new tap, but this should be unlikely. How old is the van?

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[68c]

An interesting view into the mind of a business man. The van you are selling is the best around at the price, yet the site you are buying is overpriced so will have to be reduced.

 

[dawsey]

An interesting view into the mind of a business man. The van you are selling is the best around at the price, yet the site you are buying is overpriced so will have to be reduced.

It would be a good point were I a businessman. I am not, far from it. No businessman would look for more than a second at this place.

I don’t think there are many who would not agree that our van, as advertised is exceptional. See the comment just above, presumably from someone who has seen more than one advert for a camper van and states it may be the best advert he has ever seen.

Additionally, and admittedly based on my own laboured descriptions (but supported by a great deal of feedback from visitors) we already see that few who are following the thread would disagree with our observations on this site and its challenges - indeed, a general theme of the thread is the great many very experienced folk who have advised us from the outset to walk away.

However, it is refreshing to be thought of as an aggressive businessman. It somewhat balances the majority who consider us naive at best and me a gullible fool at worst

 

[MarionK]

We were cutting some huge ivy that is slowly killing the walnut trees on the boundary this afternoon (wish I had my chainsaw). Some elderly local neighbours of the site came by and told us of the times when a priest from a neighbouring parish would come to the site to do a service for the villagers once a year. He could visit by the secret network of mediaeval escape tunnels (from the English…) that run for km’s and link key locations in the area. He could just appear in the site as if by magic. It’s one of the many super cool things about this place.

Now that's something I would absolutely love to see!
Also, a lot of motorhomers only need water and disposal points, myself included . . .
With all the free? aire de campingcars that are reported to be out there, I have no idea if that's a viable way to start though.

 

[corconx]

Many thanks. Sadly, it looks like our camper ad will have to be withdrawn if we have to continue to live in it. It will sell better in the spring in any case.

There has been minimal interest, though perhaps not unexpected given the perhaps slightly more senior and well heeled profile of the good folks populating this forum (when compared to the general population). Most seem to go for way newer, better vans way beyond the likes of Bea and I.

What is funny is that no one has seemed to realise that our van is really just a well maintained basic Hymer that is on offer for about 12k - because that is all that would have been paid if all the myriad added extras are removed and sold on.

The combined value of the add ons (which most folks tend to do over time), is actually way more than £20k, and even depreciated it is still going to be an absolute minimum of 10-12k to go find, buy, self fit etc. Of course its going to be much more to pay someone else to install for you, but then they would insist on fitting something (they supply) new to offer any guarantee. All the systems in our van have been designed and installed by a professional engineer, then successfully passed the most thorough of all-season testing!

Just the still-mint high quality leather interior alone would easily sell for £2k second hand as it would now cost twice that amount to have that done……

It’s a huge giant gift horse!

I realise that and am still trying to get Duncan to go for it. I know why he’s bothered, he’s not at all mechanically minded - yes keeps basic things checked up we’ve always had all our stuff bought and installed but professionals. I am fully aware of its real cost would be. But as I’ve been following you I know it isn’t happening yet to have a real go at him. I too am surprised its not sold. It took me two days to read and try to understand it all.

I’m still hoping dawsey

carol

 

[dawsey]

I realise that and am still trying to get Duncan to go for it. I know why he’s bothered, he’s not at all mechanically minded - yes keeps basic things checked up we’ve always had all our stuff bought and installed but professionals. I am fully aware of its real cost would be. But as I’ve been following you I know it isn’t happening yet to have a real go at him. I too am surprised its not sold. It took me two days to read and try to understand it all.

I’m still hoping dawsey

carol

Ha, thanks Carol, being fair it isn’t as if there hasn’t been any interest at all, but what can people do when I tell them they can’t even see it until September at the earliest? I/we aren’t worried in the least about selling it. Someone will get a bargain, the base van for maybe even cheaper than those fake ads on ebay

It might have to be next year now, and with another winter of use I’d be inclined to knock at least a couple of grand off the price. Fairs fair.

Anyhow I thought you guys were strictly auto-only?

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[corconx]

That’s the other problem to get over but for us these days it would suit me. i know you will sell it. It looks great tbh.

carol

 

[dawsey]

That’s the other problem to get over but for us these days it would suit me. i know you will sell it. It looks great tbh.

carol

Ha. It isn’t without its issues. Does anyone know how to get rid of a build up of chemical anti fly spray on mosquito nets? They are becoming quite disgusting. We have to soak all the curtains and nets in anti fly spray every day to stop flies filling the van. The site is completely overrun with flies because of the bin situation, the lack of garden maintenance and the fact that a lot of waste is dumped on the site, including the composting toilet waste. And yes it’s uncovered. It’s rank.

Interestigly, we are on top of the other big problem, the mosquitoes, with those plug in sonic devices. They seem to work a treat, but you do need permanent 240V.

The four important things:

1. one of those electric racket things, ideally rechargeable.
2. Fly repellant (big bottle) for the van
3. mains Sonic mosquito repellent
4. Personal anti insect spray for when outdoors.

Strangely, I haven’t been attacked by horseflies much this summer in France. In Kent, July was hard for me because they made direct for me. There wouldn’t be a day that if I left the house without repellant I would not be bitten. Maybe it’s all the chemicals we have squirted in the van soaking into my clothes.

After initial failure, We’ve been trying different concentrations of herbicide bought at Super U on the stink saplings. We see that a very strong solution can kill a sapling up to six feet tall. That’s encouraging.

 

[Brains]

After initial failure, We’ve been trying different concentrations of herbicide bought at Super U on the stink saplings. We see that a very strong solution can kill a sapling up to six feet tall. That’s encouraging.

Jeyes Toilet Fluid is very effective for killing trees.

A few large applications a few weeks apart will kill off the tree by next spring.
You need to apply it now to give it time to work, as by September the sap stops rising and you will have to wait until next Spring.

 

[Winger]

Copper nails are supposed to kill a tree if driven into the trunk but I’ve no experience tho I have thought about with a nearby tree

 

[Nanniemate]

Copper nails are supposed to kill a tree if driven into the trunk but I’ve no experience tho I have thought about with a nearby tree

It takes a long time and they need to be around the trunk I believe the stronger healthier the tree the more copper needed to poison the tree

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[Coastal Cruiser.]

Copper nails are supposed to kill a tree if driven into the trunk but I’ve no experience tho I have thought about with a nearby tree

Big digger kills them better

 

[MisterB]

Big digger kills them better

I think Dawsey has already said that the tiniest bit of root left would just multiply, hence his intent to murder the buggers in situ.

 

[68c]

Not sure but don't think asbestos has raised it's head yet, perhaps in next week's episode. Oh, and the flaking lead water supply pipes.

 

[dawsey]

Not sure but don't think asbestos has raised its head yet, perhaps in next week's episode. Oh, and the flaking lead water supply pipes.

Pay attention at the back. It has.

See the posts from a couple of weeks ago. The asbestos WC cabin in the photos would definitely be going. Less problematic is the Asbestos boiler flue. Trivial stuff, as despite what the Health and safety people say, not all asbestos was created equal. The only lead problem highlighted in the reports was in the ancient paint flaking off the orangerie frame.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

We are going to apply for permission for a Nov 5 bonfire.

Am following this with interest and intrigue.
BUT, and I am a sceptical fellow and not very brave re business opportunities such as this idea might be, or a person prepared to go into MASSIVE debt for such an ideal.
I am very interested in why you would need permission for a November 5th Bonfire event , in France?
The antics of Guy Fawkes and all the other members of his band is only really celebrated in the UK, I believe.
France has fireworks on Bastille day as far as I know.
This seems a rather odd target event, and one I am not sure would be a big draw to your development for Brits.
But I could well be wrong.
Sorry if I sound negative, but started out on this thread with and interest and intrigue, but as I read more, if it was myself, I would have abandoned all hope of a campsite as a business model long ago, and looked at alternatives.
Am also beginning to think this is possibly a bit of a " shaggy dog" story.
Sorry.

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[corconx]

Am following this with interest and intrigue.
BUT, and I am a sceptical fellow and not very brave re business opportunities such as this idea might be, or a person prepared to go into MASSIVE debt for such an ideal.
I am very interested in why you would need permission for a November 5th Bonfire event , in France?
The antics of Guy Fawkes and all the other members of his band is only really celebrated in the UK, I believe.
France has fireworks on Bastille day as far as I know.
This seems a rather odd target event, and one I am not sure would be a big draw to your development for Brits.
But I could well be wrong.
Sorry if I sound negative, but started out on this thread with and interest and intrigue, but as I read more, if it was myself, I would have abandoned all hope of a campsite as a business model long ago, and looked at alternatives.
Am also beginning to think this is possibly a bit of a " shaggy dog" story.
Sorry.

Well it’s obviously not for you. And if it’s a shaggy dog story dawsey has a strange imagination

just keep reading.

carol

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

The asbestos WC cabin in the photos would definitely be going

Them sort of things seem to disappear when you have a digger on site

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Well it’s obviously not for you. And if it’s a shaggy dog story dawsey has a strange imagination

just keep reading.

carol

No, sorry, times too precious.
29 pages and over 8 months with what would seem to be problem upon problem upon problem, for a site with no real draw or attraction , in an area of possibly dubious scenic value, of questionable construction to the infrastructure and with potential staffing issues viz their removal and avoiding possible compensatory requirements.
Then there is the finance issue, which is a lot of money to borrow to just develop this site, plus then the requirement to hire new staff to complete this work.
And, heaven forbid, what happens if one or both should fall ill whilst mid way through the project and it cant be completed and the site is in no better real state than now?
I wish him and his spouse well though.
As the dragons say........
Sorry, ................But I'm out.

 

[dawsey]

No, sorry, times too precious.
I wish him and his spouse well though.
As the dragons say........
Sorry, I'm out!

Hey Captain

Nice to hear from you again! - did you make any decisions on your power system? Have you hung on to the old van?

It’s no wind up. Even Chaser is convinced….

 

[dawsey]

Am following this with interest and intrigue.
BUT, and I am a sceptical fellow and not very brave re business opportunities such as this idea might be, or a person prepared to go into MASSIVE debt for such an ideal.
I am very interested in why you would need permission for a November 5th Bonfire event , in France?
The antics of Guy Fawkes and all the other members of his band is only really celebrated in the UK, I believe.
France has fireworks on Bastille day as far as I know.
This seems a rather odd target event, and one I am not sure would be a big draw to your development for Brits.
But I could well be wrong.
Sorry if I sound negative, but started out on this thread with and interest and intrigue, but as I read more, if it was myself, I would have abandoned all hope of a campsite as a business model long ago, and looked at alternatives.
Am also beginning to think this is possibly a bit of a " shaggy dog" story.
Sorry.

Sorry if it wasn’t clear.

Open fires are not legal in france. Burning garden waste is specifically banned. The permission would just be from the mairie (mayor) for a bonfire, to burn all the stink trees we will (would) have cut. The idea is to turn it into a november 5 bonfire, a big tradition of mine. Maybe also fireworks, also a huge tradition of mine. I know many in here as usual won’t believe me, but I used to build displays with the biggest cake fireworks possible and time detonation with home made fuses (made out of sparklers (constant burn rate, easy to time) and set it all to classical music sets, rebasing the music to the commencement of firing of each ‘cake’. I endlessly experimented, until I was able to set fireworks to classical music. Just for fun.

My favourite start sequence was always fanfare for the common man, the 1812, Ride of the Valkyrie and bits of Holst ‘planets’ would always feature.

Myself and Bea and friends would always build a modern ‘guy’, it would be an effigy of the ‘evil person’ of the day, whoever it was, Saddam etc. Then we’d burn them on top of the bonfire. All very ‘wicker man’, I think the rural Frenchies round here would probably love it. Having not done it for about 7 years we won’t say who the ‘effigy’ we would absolutely burn atop our bonfire is going to be on this forum for fear of offending half the readers

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[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Hey Captain

Nice to hear from you again! - did you make any decisions on your power system? Have you hung on to the old van?

It’s no wind up. Even Chaser is convinced….

Hello
No, have still got our old van.
Will have a new leisure battery sometime soon, with a portable solar panel wired directly to that.
And that's it.
Not spending any more as we are looking to change the whole van next year, maybe, when I can then hope to buy something with a lot already done, or will be a suitable vehicle capable and worthy of such an upgrade.
Not very ambitious I know, but hey ho, it's a steady plan, within my mechanical and electrical capabilities at present, and on budget.

Horses for Courses for me at the moment.
Cheers.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

It’s no wind up. Even Chaser is convinced….

whilst I can't speak on behalf of any other Funster , I must state that my opinions are solely my own.
And from what I have read , posted by yourself, it is Yourself that needs to be absolutely crystal clear in your pathway forward, with all costings and feasabilities fully investigated, calculated and surmised, with no areas of ambiguity whatsoever.
You are, after all, borrowing money, which , in my opinion, is always risky, and not an area that can be walked away from without repercussions at some later stage.
Whilst the opinions of others may show you encouragement, which is a positive, in the cold light of a wet , grey, winters morning, it is Yourself , and not them, who is into the financial and legal obligations with banks, solicitors, employment law and local byelaws and council regulations.
Not areas to be taken lightly, or relied upon by others to be probably OK.
They aren't doing it.
You are!
I still wish you well however, but,
if you have any serious doubts or reservations even after all these setbacks and pitfalls, my advice, and it is only a personal opinion would be, Don't!
Good Luck.

 

[chaser]

Hey Captain

Nice to hear from you again! - did you make any decisions on your power system? Have you hung on to the old van?

It’s no wind up. Even Chaser is convinced….

Actually I am far from being convinced, I have kept out of this for the reason of being accused of saying I told you so and we will see how you get on.
But the fact remains right from the very start of this, I have had a good look at sites for sale, as yes I am very interested in the idea but way to old to even think about it, and for the money you are talking about you could more or less have your choice of any up and running site in France so why the hell do you want a broken down site in the middle of nowhere.
If everything is really as bad as you say I can't understand why there are any customers there never mind just numbers down.
Anyway we will see how you get on tomorrow, and wish you all the best.

 

[MisterB]

I think the comment re even chaser being convinced related to whether it was a wind up, not about being convinced about the project viability etc.

Best wishes for the next week, as I am assuming you might not get an immediate answer, though if you have informed them of the offers you have received from the banks, they may be expecting a revised offer, even so, there may be fireworks before Nov 5th ...

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Actually I am far from being convinced, I have kept out of this for the reason of being accused of saying I told you so and we will see how you get on.
But the fact remains right from the very start of this, I have had a good look at sites for sale, as yes I am very interested in the idea but way to old to even think about it, and for the money you are talking about you could more or less have your choice of any up and running site in France so why the hell do you want a broken down site in the middle of nowhere.
If everything is really as bad as you say I can't understand why there are any customers there never mind just numbers down.
Anyway we will see how you get on tomorrow, and wish you all the best.

When I read the comment of yourself being " convinced", and having read this missive from start to finish, I must say that I was very surprised at that opinion formed by the original poster.
This was not my opinion taken from yours and others opinions and posts.
Far from it.
Taking the written word at face value without consideration for inflection or tonal application can often lead to misunderstanding and I sincerely hope that Mr.Dawsey is not being blinkered by an idealism which could all end in a horrible, miserable financial mess, unfortunately.
But , for his sake, I sincerely hope not.
It will take a big man at this stage to plow on regardless, throw caution to the wind and try and make a fist of this and his dream of owning and running a campsite, especially after all the hoops and obstacles he has documented in detail that have thwarted progress so far.
However, it will take an even bigger man to walk away at this 11th hour, realise the potential shortcomings in reality, and save face in the reality of this possible vanity project.
I am sorry if my opinions are not to some peoples liking, but they are my opinions only.
I am not doing this project, he is.
I am not risk averse. Not in todays financial markets or at my time in life.
I still wish Mr.Dawsey and his partner all the best in whatever direction they decide to paddle their canoe.

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